Shreveport shows off new bus terminal

The City of Shreveport celebrated the grand opening of the new SporTran Intermodal Terminal.
(Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times)

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Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler in the center with other city officials at the grand opening of the new SporTran Intermodal Terminal Wednesday afternoon. (Photo: Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times)Buy Photo

People gather at the grand opening of the new SporTran Intermodal Terminal Wednesday afternoon. (Photo: Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times)

"This is a visionary accomplishment," the governor said before he and Mayor Ollie Tyler cut a wide ribbon.

Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson said at Wednesday's event that the new Shreveport terminal is nicer than those he has seen in other cities, including Portland, Ore., and Seattle.

The new battery-electric, zero-emission buses were manufactured by Proterra of Burlingame, California. Unlike conventional buses, which have steel frames, the new buses are made of lightweight carbon-fiber-reinforced bodies that simplify maintenance, according to the manufacturer.

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SporTran showed off its new all electric buses at the grand opening of the new SporTran Intermodal Terminal.
(Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times)

Proterra said SporTran will avoid more than 18 million pounds of greenhouse gas emissions over the buses' 12-year lifespan. The company also said SporTran would save more than $2.2 million on maintenance and fuel by operating the five buses.

SporTran and the city intend to sell the property at the corner of Marshall and Crockett streets.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler in the center with other city officials at the grand opening of the new SporTran Intermodal Terminal Wednesday afternoon. Henrietta Wildsmith/The Times